Regulations and safety
Everything to do with the law
Whoever would like to make it through the urban jungle should look for signs along the way. Along with our tips, a suitable helmet is required for safety.
New rules for cyclists:
- Cycle paths on the left without a blue circular cycle sign may be used if permission is given by a rectangular white sign featuring a bicycle and the word "frei" ("free").
- Cycling against the direction of the traffic in one-way streets is to be made easier - but is only permitted if indicated by an additional sign.
- Transport of up to 2 children under the age of 7 in a cycle trailer is permitted.
- Cyclists travelling along the right side of the road who want to turn left do not need to change lane after a crossroad or left turn into a side road. However, attention must be paid to traffic coming from both directions. If there are road markings for cyclists, these must be followed in the area of the crossroads or side road.
- The official speed limit on roads intended primarily for cyclists is 30 km/h.
- If there are no special traffic lights for cyclists, they must obey the red light for cars instead of for pedestrians.
New traffic signs which are important for cyclists and inline skaters:
- A new traffic sign indicates a cul-de-sac which is a through-route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- A cycle lane at the right side of the road may be crossed by other vehicles if necessary. However, new regulations state that parking is not permitted in the cycle lane.
- Inline skaters are now expressly mentioned in the German road traffic regulations (StVO) and are treated in the same way as pedestrians. They are only allowed to skate outside pavements and pedestrian areas in exceptional cases, where the additional "skating" sign expressly allows it.
- Cyclists will not see signs which oblige them to make use of the cycle paths so often. An important new feature is that local authorities and towns no longer have to give preference to building cycle paths. Instead, they should now provide more cycle lanes on normal roads.
- It is not permitted to play games on the road, the cycle lanes or cycle paths, unless an additional sign indicates to the contrary. The additional sign gives permission for inline and roller skating...
The new traffic signs:
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Parking is only permitted on payment of a fee or with a parking disc (start of a restricted parking zone) |
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End of restricted parking zone |
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End of recommended route |
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Inline skaters may skate on the roads |
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Cul-de-sac with through route: Only vehicles may not pass |
Traffic signs help you to find your way through the city jungle. To stay safe, follow our tips and wear a well-fitting cycle helmet.
Blue-white traffic sign jungle
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Bicycle paths |
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Combined foot and bicycle paths |
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One-way streets and footpaths |
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Cyclists may only travel in the opposite direction along a one-way street if this is marked with the sign shown on the left, "Except for cyclists". |
Traffic lights
If the bicycle path is shared with a footpath, cyclists must stop at the signal for pedestrians. If a cyclist rides on the road, the traffic signals apply. There are also often special signals for cyclists.
Whoever has a brain wears a helmet
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Bicycle helmet Keep your head on, wear a helmet: In accidents, cyclists often injure their head, and thus a well-fitting bicycle helmet is extremely important. The bicycle helmet should meet the requirements of DIN EN 1078. |
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What should you look for when purchasing and using a bicycle helmet?
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After a crash or after five to eight years at the latest you should buy a new helmet. Ask a specialist dealer for advice, he knows best what helmet will fit your head. The decisive factors are not the price and not the pretty colour, but comfort and safety.
